Derby have slipped from second spot to the trailing pack after a nightmare run of just two wins in 12 including defeats to Sunderland and Burton. What has gone wrong?

For some insight into the ailing Rams woeful wobble we asked Derby Telegraph County reporter Jonny Bonell for the lowdown.

What is behind the long poor run?

“The team have gone through a long run when they really haven’t played well and they have hit some real low points.

“Losing 4-1 at home to Sunderland was hard to take and then they rallied a bit with a scrappy win at Preston and then Bolton but then were blown away at Burton which didn’t go down well as they are the new kids on the block, near neighbours and managed by the ex, Nigel Clough.

“It is hard to put a finger on exactly what has gone wrong because it is more of less the same team that had a brilliant run before Christmas and got as high as second place.

“Maybe the weight of expectation got to them. They started off this season with very little pressure and most people expecting a rebuilding job and maybe lurking around and maybe making a late push for the play-offs but once you are up there the targets change and the pressures are different and so now the situation feels very disappointing.

Derby County's David Nugent celebrates with Matej Vydra

“Tactically it hasn’t changed much. It is still 4231. They have struggled to score goals and maybe rely on Matej Vydra too much in that department and have started to leak more as well and that’s been a worry.

“Midfield has been a worry too. When Derby were flying Tom Huddlestone and Joe Ledley were bossing games but now they are looking a bit leggy and one paced and are not having the same influence or dominating.

“Overall the team has gone off the boil in every department and confidence has dropped off.”

What has Gary Rowett done to address it?

“He made sweeping changes after the defeat to Sunderland which came after a poor run of seven without a win.

“He even dropped skipper Richard Keogh, a virtually ever-present after a couple of costly mistakes and that was a very big call.

“Initially that brought results with wins over Preston and Bolton but then they lost to Wolves - which is no disgrace - then were just as bad as ever at Burton and got turned over by a team who had just been thumped 5-0 by Hull.

“So does he make changes again? Does he bring back the people and the balance that was doing so badly before Sunderland?

Curtis Davies in action for Derby

“There has been some talk about bringing some kids in to freshen it up or even switching shape - Richard Keogh played for the Under-23s in midweek and they lined up with a back three - but that would seem to be very risky and could introduce areas of uncertainty in what is a massive match. That would be a major gamble.

“I think he may make a few tweaks and rely on his bigger players delivering on the day rather than a radical shake-up

Is this match it ‘do or die’ for Derby?

“Not mathematically it isn’t. They would still have three games left but two of those are Cardiff and Villa so it would be very tough to get the points they would need if they lost.

“But that said, psychologically, losing to Boro would be a big, big blow. It wouldn’t be game over but it might feel like it.

“If they beat Boro they could face Cardiff and Villa with a bit of momentum and renewed belief knowing the play-offs were well within reach - but if they lose it would be very difficult to raise themselves for those two.

Gary Rowett

“Boro are ahead so I suppose the draw would suit them more. A draw would leave Derby with everything to do and worrying about the results of all the other teams.

“I think if they want to do it under their own steam they probably need to beat Boro.”

How’s the nerves?

“Jangling. It is very tense now. Especially among the fans. It doesn’t take long in a game for the anxiety to start to ripple around the ground and if Boro start well or get a goal then it could be very, very nervous.

“Supporters have seen it all before. Four times the Rams have been in the play-off mix most of the season and then slipped away at the end and so people are half-expecting to happen again.

“When you talk to the players and the manager they say it doesn’t affect them. They probably know the history but most of them weren’t here and didn’t experience it and there’s no logically reason it would get to them.

“But it is hard to avoid the tension in the ground or the jittery mood of the fans.“